For many adolescent mothers, the journey through early motherhood is fraught with uncertainty and emotional distress. That was the case for 17-year-old Sara from Gaza province, who struggled with stress and anxiety after the birth of her child. She confided, “I felt overwhelmed and lost. I didn’t know how to cope with the responsibilities of being a young mother.”

Through the “Strengthening the Mental Health and Responsiveness of Caregivers to Young Children” project, Sara received support and training in stress management, positive parenting, and early childhood development. “The program helped me understand my feelings and gave me tools to manage my stress,” she shared with a smile.

As a result of the intervention, Sara’s caregiving skills and mental well-being significantly improved. “I now know how to communicate better with my child and handle difficult moments with more patience,” she explained. This newfound knowledge not only improved her relationship with her baby but also positively impacted her community. Sara’s mother, who initially worried about her daughter’s ability to care for her child, now says, “She’s much more confident and capable. I see the difference.”